I have to agree with JHB. I did want to be an active member because it let me be involved with my kids school and I liked talking to them about what fun stuff the PTO had planned and what they thought about it. Next thing I knew I was up there with a gavel in my hand. I took a year off from being an officer and had some major withdrawls. I like being involved with the PTO because of the confidence it has given me. I've always felt out of place and never really fit in anywhere. The PTO was pretty much dumped in my lap the year I became pres and I felt so comfortable doing it. I felt for once in my life I found something I could do well. I've made my share of mistakes but I've learned from them too. The PTO helped me with my confidence so much that I am now, at my age, pursuing my teaching degree. Plus, the aides are familiar with me and I do get to work a little.

You guys are talking like you gave it lots of thought and made a careful and deliberate choice to be a leader in the PTO.

Admit it. Most of us got sucked in before we knew what hit us. Although never documented, I think there's some weird mind control technique involved.

I was just sitting there minding my own business, thinking it was maybe a good idea to attend a parent group meeting. Then, and I don't know exactly how, I was president and running the whole thing!

Anyone recognize themselves?

P.S. Kidding aside, I do agree with you all on the benefits. Even for us who may not have planned a leadership role, it definitely has its own rewards.

The reason I joined my PTO is to be more involved with my children, that was all I thought. Then I realized all the new people I got to meet and become friends with and the smiles from all the students when they are having fun at an event.
It also makes me feel good when children I don't know see me and say Hi or just start talking to you, because they know you are involved in their school and they think it is cool. The respect you get from them is the best thing and it makes you want to do more for them and the school.

Why do I do it? I got started in it after the PTA was disbanded due to lack of participation. I felt that no one was else was stepping up so I thought i would try.
Reasons I am still doing it three years later?
-sitting in the back of the room at an event and watching all the smiles on the faces
-The people involved and the relationships that I have gained. Being a work at home mom that brought ALOt into my life. This is a main reason!
-Feeling that people respect you and most of all you respecting yourself enough knowing you are giving what you can and not sitting back complaining. -Learning so many lessons that can benifit my life in other ways. ex.organizing an event, dealing with complaints, being political correct
-I also am selfish and do alot of it because it makes me feel good
-Challenges....am I nuts?

I agree it is very hard at times, and that i struggle but overall I know that what i give helps make my childrens school a much better place.

[ 07-23-2004, 07:54 AM: Message edited by: pals ]

We just discussed this very topic at our last state board meeting and it was also part of the training we did last Saturday!
My reasons were as follows.
I feel like I'm making a difference.
I am more involved in my child's life and education.
It gives my life some meaning, I am feeding my passion.
I get to meet new people and forge new friendships.
I'm not a bystander but an active part of the community.

The reasons we discussed at the training were-
Because someone they love benefits.
To set an example for children
Because they were asked.
To meet people and because they enjoy working with people.
To gain skills/experience
To use otherwise unused gifts or skills.
Because of tradition.
Out of concern (child abuse, teen pregnancy, etc)
To have a sense of purpose
To test leadership skills
To feel a sense of power and success.

This year we really want to start the year off with a banging no make that a booming membership drive. Our very supportive principal has given us the go a-head to literally litter the school with propaganda. Not being as nieve as I've been in the past (unfortunately still a lousy speller) I've come to terms with the fact parents don't join PTO/ PTA's just to support their children's education. In a perfect world there would be no selfish motivations behind our support. Please don't take offence I'm trying to speak in general terms. This year for our open house I would like to have posters everywhere so that a parent cannot look arround without a motivational reason for joining the PTO. Here are my top 10 reasons in order and yes I do have a few selfish resons myself:

1) I feel it part of being a parent
2) to make new friends
3) to earn academic credit (for college)
4) the school is more apt to call me in for subbing
5) it's fun
6) to get out of the house
7) to make changes
8) I like to be in charge
9) for recognition
10) to know what is happening

What are some reasons that you share your time and skills and money? I'm hoping our motivations may just be the motivation we need to get that "one more" parent to join.